Key Summary
FAQs
How does student accommodation work in Cambridge?
It depends which university you're at. University of Cambridge students are guaranteed a place in one of the colleges for the whole of their undergraduate course, while Anglia Ruskin students typically live in university halls for first year, then move into private housing after that.
How do I choose a college at the University of Cambridge?
You pick your college when you apply, but you can't switch once you're allocated, so it's worth researching in advance. Think about whether the college accepts your subject, its entry requirements and interview format, and whether it asks for an admissions assessment or submitted work.
Can I live outside my college as a University of Cambridge student?
You can, though not every college allows it, and the university requires you to live within a certain distance, usually within three miles of the city centre. Check your specific college's policy before assuming this is an option.
What is the Tompkins Table?
It's an annual ranking of Cambridge colleges based on students' academic performance. It's a useful reference point if academic results matter to you when choosing where to apply, though it's just one factor among many, like facilities, food and vibe.
What are some of the top-ranked Cambridge colleges known for?
Trinity College tops the table and is especially known for maths and sciences, plus famous architecture like the Wren Library. Christ's College is strong academically and sporty, Corpus Christi excels in sport with its own theatre and libraries, and Selwyn and Pembroke both guarantee accommodation for your whole degree with strong facilities like gyms and bars.
Where do Anglia Ruskin students live after first year?
Most move into private rented accommodation found through local estate agents and letting agencies, since ARU's own halls are generally reserved for first-year students. It's worth thinking about who you want to live with and where in your first term, since good houses get booked up early.
What should I look for in a Cambridge letting agency?
Look for one with strong reviews, experience specifically with student lets, and clear information on fees, deposits and the renting process. Agencies that offer guidance through viewings, contracts and even repairs once you've moved in take a lot of the stress out of renting for the first time.
When should I start looking for my second-year accommodation in Cambridge?
For Anglia Ruskin students, aim to have accommodation sorted by the second term of first year, since the best houses go quickly. University of Cambridge students should start thinking about their college preference before they even apply, since it can't be changed once you're allocated.
Studying at a university in Cambridge in September? Incredible! You’ll be studying and living in one of the most historic cities in the UK. There’s two main universities in Cambridge – Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of Cambridge.
At Anglia Ruskin, first-year students usually live in university-owned student halls and then move to non-university owned accommodation for the rest of their course. You can find out more information about accommodation at ARU on their website.
At the University of Cambridge, it can be a little different. You’re guaranteed a place in a college for 3 to 4 years if you’re a single student with no dependents. You choose your college when you apply to the university, but you can’t change colleges once you’ve been allocated to one. For more information about colleges, visit the University of Cambridge website.
Since there’s such different accommodation options for the two universities, this article will go over five of the best college options for University of Cambridge students, and then five of the best letting agencies to find student houses in Cambridge. So, no matter which Cambridge-based university you study at, this definitive list of the best Cambridge accommodation is for you!
Colleges
There are 29 undergraduate colleges at the University of Cambridge, so it may feel pretty overwhelming trying to decide which college to apply to! If you’re struggling with that very problem, this is the list for you. Below are the top five best Cambridge colleges as ranked by the 2024 Tompkins Table, which ranks colleges annually on the students’ academic performances.
5) Selwyn College
Ranked fifth in the Tompkins Table was Selwyn College. This college accepts applications from people from any undergraduate course and also guarantees accommodation for your whole undergraduate course, so it’s perfect if you’d like a space to make your home for three years.
The college has a bunch of exciting amenities, like an onsite gym, a new library and a bar! The college also has a lot of traditions, like requiring gowns at all formal events, so if you want to truly live out that dark academia lifestyle, it might be the college for you. If you’re worried about the cost of living in Cambridge (which is definitely pretty high), the college food is considered to be pretty affordable according to UniAdmissions.
4) Pembroke College
Do you fancy attending the same college as Tom Hiddleston? If so, Pembroke College is the one for you! As well as its famous alumni, the college is also known for friendly students and great food – some of the best out of all the colleges! Like Selwyn, Pembroke College accepts applicants from all courses. It also has great facilities, including a gym, music practice rooms, a multifaith room and even a professional standard climbing wall! So, if you’re a fan of climbing, this college could be your home from home.
3) Corpus Christi College
If you’re sporty, Corpus Christi could be the college for you, as they’re very well known for excelling in sport! This is probably helped by their amazing sports facilities, like tennis courts and sports grounds. They also have two college libraries, a chapel choir and a theatre where students can put on plays! You can also live in their Old House site, right in the middle of Cambirgde’s finest buildings. However, they do not accept applications from students studying chemical engineering, biotechnology, education, land economy and veterinary medicine.
2) Christ’s College
Christ’s College came second in the most recent Tompkins Table, doing its famous alum Charles Darwin proud! They’re well-known for their academics – as shown by their high Tompkins Table ranking – and for their sports. They have amenities like a theatre, a formal dining hall, and even a boathouse. All the undergraduates are said to be accommodated within five minutes’ walk of the main college facilities – so if you live here there’s no excuse to not go for a study session at the library!
1) Trinity College
Not to be confused with Trinity Hall is Trinity College, coming in at the top of the Tompkins Table. Not only is this college great for all subjects, it is particularly famous for maths and the sciences, so if you’re applying to study one of these subjects, Trinity could be the perfect choice for you. However, don’t worry if you prefer the humanities – this college accepts all applications from all courses aside from education and veterinary medicine. Trinity College is also home to some of Cambridge’s most famous architecture, like the Wren Library and the Great Court. Perfect for making all your friends at home jealous!
Non-university owned accommodation
If you don’t want to live in your college after your first year, or you study at Anglia Ruskin and don’t want to live in halls, the best places to look for private accommodation are estate agents and lettings agencies. Five of Cambridge’s best agencies are listed here. They’re all rated four stars or above on Google, so read on reassured that there’s plenty of trustworthy options out there!
1) Open House Estate Agents
Open House has branches around the country, but the majority of their properties are based in and around Cambridge, so there’s plenty of choices when it comes to finding your new home sweet home! You can search their listings by price, whether you want a flat or a house, and the type of house you’re looking for, which makes it easy to find options that work for you. Their website also offers a comprehensive renting guide, which is well worth a read if you’re anxious about the prospect of finding a new home on your own.
Telephone: 01223 298 490
Email: no email listed
Address: 47 Norfolk Street, Cambridge, CB1 2LD
2) Redmayne Arnold and Harris
Redmayne Arnold and Harris calls itself the “leading firm of independent Cambridge letting agents”, a title they take very seriously. They claim to provide guidance through the entire process of renting, from signing the tenancy all the way to move-in day. They’re also on hand to help with any issues once you’re settled in, which can help relieve your worries and help you focus on your studies. They rent houses of up to 7 bedrooms, so their homes could be perfect if you’re renting with a big group of friends.
Telephone: 01223 323 130
Email: rah@rah.co.uk
Address: 7 Dukes Court, 54-64 Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8DZ
3) OpenArch
Open Arch has a dedicated student renting section on their website, so you know they’re dedicated to providing students with safe, comfortable homes. They offer student flats and houses for up to 9 people. They also offer studios if you don’t fancy sharing the kitchen with anyone (that’s the dream). Their search function allows you to filter according to location and price, helping you find affordable houses in your dream location.
Telephone: 01223 664200
Email: enquiries@openarch.co.uk
Address: OpenArch, The Grange, Market Street, Swavesey, Cambridge, CB24 4QG
4) Belvoir
If you’re a big group looking for a house together, Belvoir might be the agency for you! They offer properties of up to ten bedrooms, meaning there’s a property for even the biggest groups of tenants. Their website also contains a wealth of information about renting properties with them. This includes a step-by-step guide to renting with Belvoir, as well as a blog about the expenses of moving house, which ensures you won’t get caught out by any unexpected costs and can save that student loan for other things.
Telephone: 01223 352225
Email: fill in the contact form on their website
Address: 10 Signet Court, Cambridge, CB5 8LA
5) Leaders Cambridge
Leaders is a nationwide company offering flats, bungalows and houses to rent in Cambridge. They also offer several services for tenants, like a blog full of useful renting advice and a cheap moving company. A detailed schedule of required tenants’ fees is also provided, which is so helpful for budgeting. Their website also provides an online repair reporting system, allowing you to notify your landlord of any repairs at any time – yes, including at three in the morning!
Telephone: 01223 500 387
Email: no email listed
Address: 140 Hills Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 8PB
There you have it – the ten best Cambridge accommodation options for students! Whether you’re a Cambridge student agonising over which college to choose or an Anglia Ruskin student trying to find a student house for second year, Cambridge has plenty of options to ensure you have a comfortable, safe home for your degree. If you’ve secured your accommodation and are eagerly awaiting the start of term, check out our guide to the ten best nightclubs in Cambridge to plan the best Fresher’s Week ever!